PROJECT BREATH CLEAN AIR ABUJA: FCTA TOURS AREA COUNCILS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

By: Doris Jonah

As part of efforts to reduce air pollution across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), in partnership with IHS Towers of Strength, has embarked on a community engagement tour across the six Area Councils to promote a “switch to gas” initiative.

The three-day tour, held from January 26 to 28, 2026, covered one ward in each Area Council. The communities visited were Kuduru in Bwari Area Council, Kuchigoro in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Ayaura in Abaji, Yangoji in Kwali, Sabon Gari in Gwagwalada, and Jeida in Kuje Area Council.

Speaking at Kuduru Ward in Bwari Area Council, the first stop on the tour, the Mandate Secretary of FCT-HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized the urgency of reducing indoor air pollution and cooking-related respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable and indigent residents of the FCT.

On behalf of the Mandate Secretary of FCT-HSES, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Baba Gana Adam explained that the FCTA is providing insured gas cylinders, burners, and refill vouchers to encourage the safe and sustained adoption of clean cooking practices under the Breath Clean Air Initiative, with support from IHS Towers of Strength.

According to her, the community engagement exercise is aimed at sensitization and advocacy to ensure proper mobilization and transparent selection of beneficiaries, as well as the active involvement of community leaders.

This approach, she said, is crucial to ensuring that the gas cylinders reach those who truly deserve them and that the objectives of the initiative are achieved.

Dr. Fasawe further noted that the selection of beneficiaries is strictly community-based. The initiative leverages community leaders, working through Ward Development Committees (WDCs) at the Primary Health Care level, to compile lists of eligible beneficiaries based on clearly defined criteria.

“For the first phase of the project, a total of 2,500 gas cylinders will be distributed across six wards one in each Area Council. Beneficiaries include pregnant women, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of the communities. In addition to the cooking equipment, beneficiaries will also receive free health insurance coverage for one year, a move aimed at promoting both safe cooking and healthier living.” Fasawe said.

During the visit to Abaji Area Council, the District Head of Ayaura Ward, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, described the initiative as timely and highly commendable. He noted that cooking gas is safer, cheaper, and healthier than firewood, kerosene, or charcoal, stressing that climate change and global warming are real challenges affecting the FCT. He added that protecting forests by reducing dependence on firewood and encouraging tree planting is essential.

The District Head also urged village heads to serve as good ambassadors of the programme by ensuring that beneficiaries use the gas cylinders as intended and do not sell them.

Similarly, the Chief of Kuchigoro in AMAC, Mr. Ibrahim Wamba, expressed appreciation to the FCTA and IHS for what he described as a noble gesture. He assured that his palace would work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that only deserving beneficiaries, in line with the stipulated criteria, benefit from the initiative.